Melina Wald, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Melina Wald, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in providing care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Dr. Wald is trained in several evidence-based therapies to assist in management of anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioral problems, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ExRP). She has also worked extensively with caregivers to assist in improving communication and parenting skills. Dr. Wald’s strong training in evidence-based psychotherapy allows her to develop a unique and tailored treatment plan for each of her clients. She is particularly skilled at treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and in working with families who are struggling with communication.
In addition to Dr. Wald’s broad training in child and adolescent and young adult psychology, she has extensive experience in working with individuals across the gender and sexuality spectrum. Dr. Wald served as an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. During her tenure at Columbia University Medical Center, she co-founded the Gender Identity Program. She served as Clinical Director of the program for several years where she led a multidisciplinary team of clinicians in serving the mental health needs of transgender and nonbinary children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Wald has worked with many individuals who have pursued medical interventions, such as hormone therapy and gender affirming surgery, providing support and guidance throughout the course of these medical procedures. At Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Wald also served as a sought-after clinical supervisor and contributed to leading various training seminars for staff psychologists, psychiatrists, and trainees.
Dr. Wald is currently licensed and practices in CT and NY state.
Education & Training
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Ph.D., 2014 Clinical Psychology
Auburn University
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Internship
2014 Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
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Fellowship
2015 Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Dr. Wald received her doctoral degree in child clinical psychology at Auburn University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. During her internship and fellowship, she received focused training in LGBT mental health care. Dr. Wald served as an assistant professor and held supervisory and leadership positions during her decade of tenure at Columbia University Medical Center. She has devoted her career to improving the lives of others through the healing work of psychotherapy.
Certifications
DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician
Certificate in Adult Psychoanalysis (Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research)
